CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT03425019Updated Oct 15, 2021Results posted

Self Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Pain in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

An interventional study of Soterix 1x1 tDCS mini-CT Stimulator device in Knee Osteoarthritis and Chronic Pain, sponsored by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston. Completed at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 50 Years to 80 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2021-10-15.

Sponsored by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
21
Allocation
Not applicable
Ages
50 Years to 80 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of two weeks of self Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for pain in older patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

02

Conditions studied

  • Knee Osteoarthritis
  • Chronic Pain

Keywords

  • Knee Osteoarthritis
  • Chronic Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
  • tDCS
03

Who can participate

Ages eligible
50 Years to 80 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • have self-reported unilateral or bilateral knee OA pain, according to American College of Rheumatology criteria
  • have had knee OA pain in the past 3 months with an average of at least 3 on a 10 cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain
  • can speak and read English
  • have a device with internet access that can be used for secure video conferencing for real-time remote supervision
  • have access to a distraction-free, well lit, clean environment with a safe area to store the device and device kit
  • have no plan to change medication regimens for pain throughout the trial
  • are able to travel to the coordinating center
  • are willing and able to provide written informed consent prior to enrollment.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • previous prosthetic knee replacement or non-arthroscopic surgery to the affected knee
  • history of brain surgery, tumor, seizure, stroke, or intracranial metal implantation
  • systemic rheumatic disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and fibromyalgia
  • uncontrolled hypertension (i.e., systolic blood pressure/ diastolic blood pressure ≥ 150/95 mm Hg)
  • heart failure
  • history of acute myocardial infarction
  • peripheral neuropathy
  • alcohol/substance abuse
  • cognitive impairment (i.e., Mini-Mental Status Exam score ≤ 23)
  • pregnancy or lactation
  • hospitalization within the preceding year for psychiatric illness
04

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
21 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

    Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) involves the application of weak direct electric current to the head in a noninvasive and painless manner. tDCS with a constant current intensity of 2 milliamps (mA) will be applied for 20 minutes per session daily for 2 weeks (Monday to Friday) via the Soterix 1x1 tDCS mini-CT Stimulator device. Participants will self-administer tDCS at their home or a private room for two weeks (Mondays-Fridays) under real-time supervision by the research staff.

    Device: Soterix 1x1 tDCS mini-CT Stimulator device

Interventions

  • DeviceSoterix 1x1 tDCS mini-CT Stimulator device

    Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) involves the application of weak direct electric current to the head in a noninvasive and painless manner. tDCS with a constant current intensity of 2 mA will be applied for 20 minutes per session daily for 2 weeks (Monday to Friday) via the Soterix 1x1 tDCS mini-CT Stimulator device. Participants will self-administer tDCS at their home or a private room for two weeks (Mondays-Fridays) under real-time supervision by the research staff.

05

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

    Scores on the visual analogue scale (VAS) range from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain imaginable).

    Time frame: baseline

  2. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

    Scores on the visual analogue scale (VAS) range from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain imaginable).

    Time frame: 2 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Pain Subscale

    The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

    Time frame: baseline

  2. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Pain Subscale

    The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  3. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Stiffness Subscale

    The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

    Time frame: baseline

  4. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Stiffness Subscale

    The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  5. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Functional Impairment Subscale

    The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

    Time frame: baseline

  6. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Functional Impairment Subscale

    The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  7. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Continuous Pain Summary Scale

    The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The continuous pain subscale assesses throbbing pain, cramping pain, gnawing pain, aching pain, heavy pain, and tender, and total score on the continuous pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

    Time frame: baseline

  8. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Continuous Pain Subscale

    The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The continuous pain subscale assesses throbbing pain, cramping pain, gnawing pain, aching pain, heavy pain, and tender, and total score on the continuous pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  9. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Intermittent Pain Subscale

    The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The intermittent pain subscale assesses shooting pain, stabbing pain, sharp pain, splitting pain, electric-shock pain, and piercing, and total score on the intermittent pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

    Time frame: baseline

  10. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Intermittent Pain Subscale

    The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The intermittent pain subscale assesses shooting pain, stabbing pain, sharp pain, splitting pain, electric-shock pain, and piercing, and total score on the intermittent pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  11. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Neuropathic Pain Subscale

    The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The neuropathic pain subscale assesses hot-burning pain, cold-freezing pain, pain caused by light touch, itching, tingling or 'pins and needles', and numbness, and total score on the neuropathic pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

    Time frame: baseline

  12. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Neuropathic Pain Subscale

    The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The neuropathic pain subscale assesses hot-burning pain, cold-freezing pain, pain caused by light touch, itching, tingling or 'pins and needles', and numbness, and total score on the neuropathic pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  13. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Affective Description Subscale

    The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The affective description subscale assesses tiring-exhausting, sickening, fearful, and punishing-cruel, and total score on the affective description subscale ranges from 0-40, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

    Time frame: baseline

  14. Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Affective Description Subscale

    The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The affective description subscale assesses tiring-exhausting, sickening, fearful, and punishing-cruel, and total score on the affective description subscale ranges from 0-40, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  15. Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Threshold (HPTH)

    In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess HPTH, heat stimuli were delivered to the participant's arm or knee using a computer-controlled TSAII NeuroSensory Analyzer. From a baseline of 32 degrees Celsius, the temperature increased by 0.5 degrees Celsius per second until the participants responded by pressing a button to stop heat stimuli. Participants were instructed to press the button when the sensation ''first becomes painful" to assess the heat pain threshold (HPTH). The temperature at which participants pressed the button to indicate the sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

    Time frame: baseline

  16. Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Threshold (HPTH)

    In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess HPTH, heat stimuli were delivered to the participant's arm or knee using a computer-controlled TSAII NeuroSensory Analyzer. From a baseline of 32 degrees Celsius, the temperature increased by 0.5 degrees Celsius per second until the participants responded by pressing a button to stop heat stimuli. Participants were instructed to press the button when the sensation ''first becomes painful" to assess the heat pain threshold (HPTH). The temperature at which participants pressed the button to indicate the sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  17. Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Tolerance (HPTO)

    In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess HPTO, heat stimuli were delivered to the participant's arm or knee using a computer-controlled TSAII NeuroSensory Analyzer. From a baseline of 32 degrees Celsius, the temperature increased by 0.5 degrees Celsius per second until the participants responded by pressing a button to stop heat stimuli. Participants were instructed to press the button when they ''no longer feel able to tolerate the pain." The temperature at which participants pressed the button to indicate they could ''no longer feel able to tolerate the pain" is reported.

    Time frame: baseline

  18. Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Tolerance (HPTO)

    In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess HPTO, heat stimuli were delivered to the participant's arm or knee using a computer-controlled TSAII NeuroSensory Analyzer. From a baseline of 32 degrees Celsius, the temperature increased by 0.5 degrees Celsius per second until the participants responded by pressing a button to stop heat stimuli. Participants were instructed to press the button when they ''no longer feel able to tolerate the pain." The temperature at which participants pressed the button to indicate they could ''no longer feel able to tolerate the pain" is reported.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  19. Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)

    In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess PPT, a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's medial knee, lateral knee, or trapezius. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful." The pressure at which participants pressed the button to indicate that the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

    Time frame: baseline

  20. Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)

    In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess PPT, a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's medial knee, lateral knee, or trapezius. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful." The pressure at which participants pressed the button to indicate that the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  21. Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Punctate Mechanical Pain (PMP)

    In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess PMP, punctate mechanical pain is delivered to the patella or hand by a calibrated nylon monofilament for 10 contacts of the monofilament at one contact per second. Participants rate the pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (maximum imaginable pain).

    Time frame: baseline

  22. Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Punctate Mechanical Pain (PMP)

    In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess PMP, punctate mechanical pain is delivered to the patella or hand by a calibrated nylon monofilament for 10 contacts of the monofilament at one contact per second. Participants rate the pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (maximum imaginable pain).

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  23. Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM)

    In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). CPM is reported as the change in PPT before and immediately following immersion of the contralateral hand up to the wrist in a cold water bath (12 degrees Celsius) for up to one minute. To assess PPT, a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's trapezius. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful." The pressure at which participants pressed the button to indicate that the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

    Time frame: baseline

  24. Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM)

    In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). CPM is reported as the change in PPT before and immediately following immersion of the contralateral hand up to the wrist in a cold water bath (12 degrees Celsius) for up to one minute. To assess PPT, a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's trapezius. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful." The pressure at which participants pressed the button to indicate that the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  25. Number of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

    Pain-related cortical response will be measured using a continuous-wave, multichannel fNIRS imaging system (LIGHTNIRS, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) with three semiconductor lasers at 780, 805, and 830 nm. Optical recordings will be collected during thermal pain stimulation.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  26. Feasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Ease of Using Device

    Data will be collected on participants' tDCS experience at the conclusion of tDCS treatment on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree): Q1) "Overall the device was easy to use"

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  27. Feasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Ease of Preparation of Device

    Data will be collected on participants' tDCS experience at the conclusion of tDCS treatment on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree): Q2) "It was easy to prepare the device and accessories"

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  28. Feasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Effectiveness of Treatment Over Time

    Data will be collected on participants' tDCS experience at the conclusion of tDCS treatment on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree): Q3) "The effectiveness of the treatment increased over the course of treatment."

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  29. Tolerability as Assessed by Number of Participants With Side Effects

    The participants will be asked in an open-ended manner whether they have experienced any side effects, and they will then be asked specifically about tingling, itching sensation, burning sensation, pain at the stimulation site, fatigue, nervousness, headache, difficulty concentrating, mood change, and changes in vision or visual perception.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  30. Anxiety as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form

    The 7-item PROMIS anxiety-short form assesses the pure domain of anxiety in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 7 to 35 with higher scores indicating greater severity of anxiety.

    Time frame: baseline

  31. Anxiety as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form

    The 7-item PROMIS anxiety-short form assesses the pure domain of anxiety in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 7 to 35 with higher scores indicating greater severity of anxiety.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  32. Depression as Assessed by the PROMIS Depression-short Form

    The 8-item PROMIS depression-short form assesses the pure domain of depression in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of depression.

    Time frame: baseline

  33. Depression as Assessed by the PROMIS Depression-short Form

    The 8-item PROMIS depression-short form assesses the pure domain of depression in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of depression.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

  34. Sleep Disturbance as Assessed by the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form

    The 8-item PROMIS sleep disturbance-short form assesses the pure domain of sleep disturbance in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of sleep disturbance.

    Time frame: baseline

  35. Sleep Disturbance as Assessed by the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form

    The 8-item PROMIS sleep disturbance-short form assesses the pure domain of sleep disturbance in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of sleep disturbance.

    Time frame: 2 weeks

06

Results

Posted Oct 15, 2021

Participant flow

Participant flow — Overall Study
MilestoneTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Started20
Completed20
Not completed0

Outcome measures

PrimaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

Scores on the visual analogue scale (VAS) range from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain imaginable).

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)55.23 ± 25.45
PrimaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

Scores on the visual analogue scale (VAS) range from 0 (no pain) to 100 (worst pain imaginable).

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)24.85 ± 22.70
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Pain Subscale

The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Pain Subscale
score on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Pain Subscale7.95 ± 4.39
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Pain Subscale

The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Pain Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Pain Subscale5.75 ± 4.25
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Stiffness Subscale

The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Stiffness Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Stiffness Subscale4.00 ± 1.86
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Stiffness Subscale

The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Stiffness Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Stiffness Subscale2.90 ± 1.74
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Functional Impairment Subscale

The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Functional Impairment Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Functional Impairment Subscale29.10 ± 17.53
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Functional Impairment Subscale

The WOMAC is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 3 subscales related to pain (pain subscale total score range, 0-20), stiffness (stiffness subscale total score range, 0-8), and impairments of physical function (functional impairment subscale range, 0-68), with higher scores indicating worse pain, stiffness, and impairments of physical function, respectively.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Functional Impairment Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Functional Impairment Subscale20.85 ± 15.22
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Continuous Pain Summary Scale

The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The continuous pain subscale assesses throbbing pain, cramping pain, gnawing pain, aching pain, heavy pain, and tender, and total score on the continuous pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Continuous Pain Summary Scale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Continuous Pain Summary Scale22.75 ± 15.26
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Continuous Pain Subscale

The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The continuous pain subscale assesses throbbing pain, cramping pain, gnawing pain, aching pain, heavy pain, and tender, and total score on the continuous pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Continuous Pain Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Continuous Pain Subscale14.05 ± 13.84
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Intermittent Pain Subscale

The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The intermittent pain subscale assesses shooting pain, stabbing pain, sharp pain, splitting pain, electric-shock pain, and piercing, and total score on the intermittent pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Intermittent Pain Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Intermittent Pain Subscale17.80 ± 16.18
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Intermittent Pain Subscale

The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The intermittent pain subscale assesses shooting pain, stabbing pain, sharp pain, splitting pain, electric-shock pain, and piercing, and total score on the intermittent pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Intermittent Pain Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Intermittent Pain Subscale12.90 ± 15.80
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Neuropathic Pain Subscale

The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The neuropathic pain subscale assesses hot-burning pain, cold-freezing pain, pain caused by light touch, itching, tingling or 'pins and needles', and numbness, and total score on the neuropathic pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Neuropathic Pain Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Neuropathic Pain Subscale11.1 ± 13.71
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Neuropathic Pain Subscale

The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The neuropathic pain subscale assesses hot-burning pain, cold-freezing pain, pain caused by light touch, itching, tingling or 'pins and needles', and numbness, and total score on the neuropathic pain subscale ranges from 0-60, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Neuropathic Pain Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Neuropathic Pain Subscale8.2 ± 14.23
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Affective Description Subscale

The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The affective description subscale assesses tiring-exhausting, sickening, fearful, and punishing-cruel, and total score on the affective description subscale ranges from 0-40, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Affective Description Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Affective Description Subscale11.7 ± 11.65
SecondaryClinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Affective Description Subscale

The SF-MPQ-2 measures the quality as well as the intensity of pain. Participants complete the SF-MPQ-2 by rating the extent to which they experienced each of 22 pain descriptors in the past week using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = "none" to 10 = "worst possible"). The affective description subscale assesses tiring-exhausting, sickening, fearful, and punishing-cruel, and total score on the affective description subscale ranges from 0-40, with a higher score indicating worse pain.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Affective Description Subscale
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Clinical Pain Intensity as Assessed by Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) - Affective Description Subscale5.75 ± 10.40
SecondaryExperimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Threshold (HPTH)

In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess HPTH, heat stimuli were delivered to the participant's arm or knee using a computer-controlled TSAII NeuroSensory Analyzer. From a baseline of 32 degrees Celsius, the temperature increased by 0.5 degrees Celsius per second until the participants responded by pressing a button to stop heat stimuli. Participants were instructed to press the button when the sensation ''first becomes painful" to assess the heat pain threshold (HPTH). The temperature at which participants pressed the button to indicate the sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · degrees Celsius
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Threshold (HPTH)
degrees CelsiusTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
arm37.9 ± 3.3
knee39.1 ± 3.5
SecondaryExperimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Threshold (HPTH)

In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess HPTH, heat stimuli were delivered to the participant's arm or knee using a computer-controlled TSAII NeuroSensory Analyzer. From a baseline of 32 degrees Celsius, the temperature increased by 0.5 degrees Celsius per second until the participants responded by pressing a button to stop heat stimuli. Participants were instructed to press the button when the sensation ''first becomes painful" to assess the heat pain threshold (HPTH). The temperature at which participants pressed the button to indicate the sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · degrees Celsius
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Threshold (HPTH)
degrees CelsiusTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
arm37.3 ± 2.0
knee40.1 ± 3.4
SecondaryExperimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Tolerance (HPTO)

In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess HPTO, heat stimuli were delivered to the participant's arm or knee using a computer-controlled TSAII NeuroSensory Analyzer. From a baseline of 32 degrees Celsius, the temperature increased by 0.5 degrees Celsius per second until the participants responded by pressing a button to stop heat stimuli. Participants were instructed to press the button when they ''no longer feel able to tolerate the pain." The temperature at which participants pressed the button to indicate they could ''no longer feel able to tolerate the pain" is reported.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · degrees Celsius
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Tolerance (HPTO)
degrees CelsiusTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
arm43.2 ± 3.1
knee43.1 ± 3.3
SecondaryExperimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Tolerance (HPTO)

In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess HPTO, heat stimuli were delivered to the participant's arm or knee using a computer-controlled TSAII NeuroSensory Analyzer. From a baseline of 32 degrees Celsius, the temperature increased by 0.5 degrees Celsius per second until the participants responded by pressing a button to stop heat stimuli. Participants were instructed to press the button when they ''no longer feel able to tolerate the pain." The temperature at which participants pressed the button to indicate they could ''no longer feel able to tolerate the pain" is reported.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · degrees Celsius
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Heat Pain Tolerance (HPTO)
degrees CelsiusTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
arm43.2 ± 3.2
knee44.6 ± 3.1
SecondaryExperimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)

In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess PPT, a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's medial knee, lateral knee, or trapezius. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful." The pressure at which participants pressed the button to indicate that the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · kilograms force (kgf)
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
kilograms force (kgf)Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
medial knee3.2 ± 1.4
lateral knee3.5 ± 1.5
trapezius2.9 ± 1.6
SecondaryExperimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)

In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess PPT, a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's medial knee, lateral knee, or trapezius. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful." The pressure at which participants pressed the button to indicate that the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · kilograms force (kgf)
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
kilograms force (kgf)Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
medial knee3.7 ± 1.2
lateral knee4.4 ± 1.3
trapezius3.9 ± 1.3
SecondaryExperimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Punctate Mechanical Pain (PMP)

In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess PMP, punctate mechanical pain is delivered to the patella or hand by a calibrated nylon monofilament for 10 contacts of the monofilament at one contact per second. Participants rate the pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (maximum imaginable pain).

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Punctate Mechanical Pain (PMP)
score on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
patella84.7 ± 23.4
hand66.0 ± 27.0
SecondaryExperimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Punctate Mechanical Pain (PMP)

In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). To assess PMP, punctate mechanical pain is delivered to the patella or hand by a calibrated nylon monofilament for 10 contacts of the monofilament at one contact per second. Participants rate the pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 100 (maximum imaginable pain).

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Punctate Mechanical Pain (PMP)
score on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
patella67.4 ± 26.9
hand54.6 ± 23.9
SecondaryExperimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM)

In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). CPM is reported as the change in PPT before and immediately following immersion of the contralateral hand up to the wrist in a cold water bath (12 degrees Celsius) for up to one minute. To assess PPT, a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's trapezius. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful." The pressure at which participants pressed the button to indicate that the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · kilograms force (kgf)
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM)
kilograms force (kgf)Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM)0.9 ± 0.7
SecondaryExperimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM)

In order to measure experimental pain sensitivity, a multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) battery will be completed: heat pain threshold (HPTH); heat pain tolerance (HPTO), pressure pain threshold (PPT), punctate mechanical pain (PMP), and Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM). CPM is reported as the change in PPT before and immediately following immersion of the contralateral hand up to the wrist in a cold water bath (12 degrees Celsius) for up to one minute. To assess PPT, a handheld digital pressure algometer (Wagner, Greenwich, CT) was applied at a constant rate of 0.3 kilograms force per centimeter squared (kgf/cm\^2) per second to the participant's trapezius. Participants were asked to notify the experimenter when the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful." The pressure at which participants pressed the button to indicate that the pressure sensation ''first becomes painful" is reported.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · kilograms force (kgf)
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM)
kilograms force (kgf)Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Experimental Pain Sensitivity as Assessed by a Multimodal Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) Battery - Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM)1.3 ± 0.6
SecondaryNumber of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Pain-related cortical response will be measured using a continuous-wave, multichannel fNIRS imaging system (LIGHTNIRS, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) with three semiconductor lasers at 780, 805, and 830 nm. Optical recordings will be collected during thermal pain stimulation.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Number of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)
ParticipantsTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Number of Participants Who Were Assessed by Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)20
SecondaryFeasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Ease of Using Device

Data will be collected on participants' tDCS experience at the conclusion of tDCS treatment on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree): Q1) "Overall the device was easy to use"

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Feasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Ease of Using Device
score on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Feasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Ease of Using Device9.75 ± 0.44
SecondaryFeasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Ease of Preparation of Device

Data will be collected on participants' tDCS experience at the conclusion of tDCS treatment on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree): Q2) "It was easy to prepare the device and accessories"

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Feasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Ease of Preparation of Device
score on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Feasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Ease of Preparation of Device9.75 ± 0.44
SecondaryFeasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Effectiveness of Treatment Over Time

Data will be collected on participants' tDCS experience at the conclusion of tDCS treatment on a scale of 0 (strongly disagree) to 10 (strongly agree): Q3) "The effectiveness of the treatment increased over the course of treatment."

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Feasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Effectiveness of Treatment Over Time
score on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Feasibility as Assessed by a Survey of Participants' tDCS Experience - Effectiveness of Treatment Over Time6.75 ± 3.17
SecondaryTolerability as Assessed by Number of Participants With Side Effects

The participants will be asked in an open-ended manner whether they have experienced any side effects, and they will then be asked specifically about tingling, itching sensation, burning sensation, pain at the stimulation site, fatigue, nervousness, headache, difficulty concentrating, mood change, and changes in vision or visual perception.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Tolerability as Assessed by Number of Participants With Side Effects
ParticipantsTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Tolerability as Assessed by Number of Participants With Side Effects0
SecondaryAnxiety as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form

The 7-item PROMIS anxiety-short form assesses the pure domain of anxiety in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 7 to 35 with higher scores indicating greater severity of anxiety.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Anxiety as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form
score on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Anxiety as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form13.6 ± 6.73
SecondaryAnxiety as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form

The 7-item PROMIS anxiety-short form assesses the pure domain of anxiety in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 7 to 35 with higher scores indicating greater severity of anxiety.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Anxiety as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form
score on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Anxiety as Assessed by the PROMIS Anxiety-short Form12.05 ± 6.86
SecondaryDepression as Assessed by the PROMIS Depression-short Form

The 8-item PROMIS depression-short form assesses the pure domain of depression in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of depression.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Depression as Assessed by the PROMIS Depression-short Form
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Depression as Assessed by the PROMIS Depression-short Form12.3 ± 7.69
SecondaryDepression as Assessed by the PROMIS Depression-short Form

The 8-item PROMIS depression-short form assesses the pure domain of depression in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of depression.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Depression as Assessed by the PROMIS Depression-short Form
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Depression as Assessed by the PROMIS Depression-short Form11.85 ± 6.98
SecondarySleep Disturbance as Assessed by the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form

The 8-item PROMIS sleep disturbance-short form assesses the pure domain of sleep disturbance in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of sleep disturbance.

Time frame:
baseline
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Sleep Disturbance as Assessed by the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Sleep Disturbance as Assessed by the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form24.3 ± 7.87
SecondarySleep Disturbance as Assessed by the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form

The 8-item PROMIS sleep disturbance-short form assesses the pure domain of sleep disturbance in individuals age 18 and older, and each item on the measure is rated on a 5-point scale (1=never; 2=rarely; 3=sometimes; 4=often; and 5=always) with a range in score from 8 to 40 with higher scores indicating greater severity of sleep disturbance.

Time frame:
2 weeks
Reported as:
Mean · units on a scale
Sleep Disturbance as Assessed by the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form
units on a scaleTranscranial Direct Current Stimulation
Sleep Disturbance as Assessed by the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance-short Form19.85 ± 8.10

Adverse events

Collected over 2 weeks. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation0/20 (0%)0/20 (0%)0/20 (0%)

Baseline characteristics

Age, Continuous
Age, Continuous(years)Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Mean61.2 ± 7.23
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Female15
Male5
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Race/Ethnicity, Customized(Participants)Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
African American6
Asian6
Hispanic1
White7
Region of Enrollment
Region of Enrollment(Participants)Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
United States20
Education
Education(Participants)Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
High School3
2-year college5
4-year college9
Master's degree2
Doctoral degree1
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI)(kg/m^2)Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Mean28.33 ± 8.01
Osteoarthritis duration
Osteoarthritis duration(months)Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Mean29.60 ± 26.17
07

Study locations

1 site
  • The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
    Houston, Texas 77030, United States
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Ahn H, Sorkpor S, Miao H, Zhong C, Jorge R, Park L, Abdi S, Cho RY. Home-based self-administered transcranial direct current stimulation in older adults with knee osteoarthritis pain: An open-label study. J Clin Neurosci. 2019 Aug;66:61-65. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2019.05.023. Epub 2019 May 29. PubMed 31153751 ↗

Study documents

  • Protocol and statistical analysis plan · Mar 7, 2018

Documents are hosted by the registry — open the source record to download them.

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

09

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT03425019
Lead sponsor
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Responsible party
Hyochol Ahn (Associate Professor, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston) — Principal investigator
First posted
Feb 7, 2018
Start date
Mar 14, 2018
Primary completion
Oct 5, 2018
Completion
Oct 5, 2018
Results posted
Oct 15, 2021
Last update
Oct 15, 2021

Study contacts

Hyochol Ahn, PhD
principal investigator · The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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